HOUSE PROGRAM
The NMHA’s house league program offers divisions for U7 (Initiation or “Timbits”) through to U21. Each division is tiered into two/three levels, to allow for players of similar skill caliber, to be placed with others of similar skill. This allows the players to learn and progress as a group in a fun and developmentally appropriate environment. Our house league program does not accept friend/sibling requests.
House league pathways/sort outs begin following the Labour Day weekend. Pathways are offered for U9-U15 divisions. Sort outs run for three consecutive weekends. Convenors will contact families with pathway groups/sort out assignment teams and times.
Players can expect one ice time per weekend of sort-outs. Player/Goalies can expect two ice times per sort out weekend. One player ice time, one goalie ice time per weekend. Goalies U9-U15 will receive a goalie sort out session, during the skills session weekend.
Players/goalies have to provide their own equipment. Please see mandatory required equipment below:
- Helmet: Must be CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approved and in good condition. The helmet must fit properly and have a chin strap that is securely fastened.
- Facial Protection: CSA-certified full facial protection is mandatory for players under 18.
- Neck Guard: Required for minor hockey players.
- Skates
- Hockey Gloves
- Shin Pads
- Hockey Pants
- Shoulder Pads/Chest Protector
- Elbow Pads
- Mouthguard: While not mandatory, it's highly recommended for dental protection.
- Jock or Jill: Protects the groin area.
For Goalie equipment rental click here.
U9-U15 Pathway Skates
Please find information about Hockey Canada’s requirements here.
Sort Outs
All ice times will be assigned by your convenor. Each week prior to a session you will receive a team assignment and ice time, no later than Thursday evening.
U9-U15
- Weekend 1 – Skills Sort out - Saturday or Sunday
- Weekend 2 – Scrimmage - Saturday or Sunday
- Weekend 3 – Scrimmage - Saturday or Sunday
U18
- Weekend 1 – Scrimmage-Saturday or Sunday
- Weekend 2 – Scrimmage-Saturday or Sunday
- Weekend 3 – Scrimmage-Saturday or Sunday
U21
The Convenor will contact players with ice times for player evaluation of ice times, prior to being put on a team. U21 typically begins at the mid-end of September.
U7
U7 Players will be offered three unevaluated skates, prior to placement on a team. These skates occur over three weekends in September, either Saturday or Sunday. Your convenor will contact you with information about your players' ice time at the end of August. For information on U7, please visit the U7 Initiation page.
Completion of Sort Outs/Season Start
The House season begins for most divisions in October, typically the first weekend. After completion of the sort out process, convenors will do their best to place players/goalies in a level with other similar skilled players. Convenors do their best to ensure that teams are as balanced as possible, to ensure fair game play.
Once the regular season begins, teams are evaluated to attempt to ensure that teams are equally balanced. Players may be moved in order to balance the division. Team balancing is our best effort to ensure a competitive season for everyone.
Team Fees
Once the regular season begins, parents can expect to pay additional team fees. These fees are not optional; they are a requirement of each player.
The maximum dollar amount per player for team fees is $450, for U11 – U18 and $350 for U9. These fees are used by the team for various expenses including but not limited to: NMHA game jersey deposit (refunded to the team at the end of the year), tournaments, team parties or events, extra practice ice, and miscellaneous team expenses such as pucks, or first aid supplies.
Expected Weekly Ice
Ice times are typically Saturday and Sundays, occasionally there are some weekday ice times.
U9 – U15: Can generally expect two ice times per weekend, one game and one practice.
U18: Can expect one game per week, and one practice per month. Ice time at U18 may occur during the week or on weekends.
Expected ice times are subject to change for all divisions based on ice availability, tournament rescheduling or the purchase of additional practice ice.
Jerseys and socks
Players will be given a pair of hockey socks and a set (home & away) of game jerseys. These jerseys are to be worn for games only. Players must have a separate jersey to wear at practice. NMHA game jerseys are collected and handed back at the end of the season.